Kiwi considered for final Force spot

Kiwi considered for final Force spot - The West Australian

Taranaki centre Jayden Hayward is being touted as the final signing for the Western Force for the 2013 Super Rugby season.

The Force have one spot left in their senior squad of 30 and are expected to use it for their second overseas development player.

A Force spokesman said the specialist No.12 had not signed with the club but reports from New Zealand say he has asked for a release from his New Zealand Rugby Union contract.

The reports say he told team-mates he was leaving after Taranaki lost their ITM Cup semi-final to Canterbury in extra time last Saturday.

The 25-year-old has a year left on his contract with Super Rugby side the Hurricanes and the Force would need permission from the Australian Rugby Union to add him to their squad.

Hayward has made 59 consecutive appearances for Taranaki and joined the Hurricanes in 2011 after two years with the Highlanders. In his first year he made 11 appearances but spent most of last season as a bench player.

If he does sign for the Force he will join South African playmaker Sias Edersohn and fellow Kiwi, Auckland Blues scrum-half Alby Mathewson, as the club's three overseas players. Former All Black Mathewson is the marquee signing.Mathewson will be hoping to end his career with Auckland on a winning note today when he farewells the club in the ITM final against Canterbury.